OpenAI, the company behind ChatGPT, is reportedly gearing up to launch its own AI-powered web browser, signaling its next big move into consumer tech. Internal code references and reports suggest the browser will be named Aura, designed to revolutionize how users interact with the web using conversational AI.
Unlike traditional web browsers that rely heavily on manual navigation and keyword-based search, Aura is expected to embed conversational AI into the core of its user experience. This would enable users to interact with websites, perform tasks, and access content through natural language commands, making browsing more seamless and intuitive.
Mentions of “in Aura” and “Aura Sidebar” were recently spotted by users within the ChatGPT web interface, hinting at an ongoing internal test or upcoming rollout. While OpenAI has not officially confirmed the name, these references indicate that a next-generation browser is on the horizon.
According to early reports, Aura is built on Chromium, the same open-source foundation used by Google Chrome and Microsoft Edge. This means it will likely be compatible with Windows, macOS, Android, and iOS, ensuring a broad reach across devices.
However, OpenAI doesn’t aim to create just another Chromium-based browser. Aura is set to stand out with deeply integrated AI capabilities, transforming it into an active participant in the user’s web experience, not just a passive platform.
Aura is expected to include a suite of AI-powered tools that go far beyond traditional browsing. These features may include:
Automatic content summarization for lengthy articles
Smart form autofill using contextual AI understanding
Conversational task completion, like booking appointments or making travel reservations
AI agents capable of performing in-browser actions without user clicks
The browser may offer a chat-like interface where users can simply “ask” the browser to do something, eliminating the need for manual tab-switching, keyword searching, or endless scrolling.
With ChatGPT’s conversational capabilities as a base, Aura could redefine how users interact with the internet. Imagine asking your browser to “summarize this blog,” “find the cheapest hotel in Delhi,” or “schedule a dentist appointment”—and the browser just does it.
This potential for contextual, conversational browsing could drastically reduce user effort while increasing productivity. It also aligns with OpenAI’s broader mission of integrating AI into daily human workflows.
Google Chrome currently dominates the global browser market with over 65% share. However, OpenAI’s existing user base—over 500 million weekly ChatGPT users—presents a significant opportunity. If even a fraction migrate to Aura, it could shake up the browser ecosystem.
By offering AI-native browsing and privacy-forward tools, Aura could appeal to users frustrated with ad-heavy, data-collecting platforms like Chrome. Some analysts believe Aura may reduce third-party tracking, adding another reason for privacy-conscious users to switch.
Aura appears to be just one component of OpenAI’s wider strategy to embed its AI models into everyday tools. The company has already hired former Google Chrome engineers and explored long-term involvement in the browser market.
There have even been speculative discussions about OpenAI acquiring Chrome in the unlikely scenario of a Google breakup due to antitrust regulations. Aura may thus serve as both a product and a proof-of-concept for how AI can become the default digital assistant layer across devices.
While no official release date has been confirmed, reports suggest that Aura’s launch is imminent, possibly within a few weeks. A limited release or beta version could be rolled out first, followed by a wider global launch.
If successful, Aura could fundamentally alter how we use the internet—moving from search-based browsing to AI-powered task execution and conversation-led interaction.